Recruiting Report: Thomas Welch (2019)
Thomas Welch is a 6’8” 2019 power forward from Naperville North that has gotten considerably stronger in his upper body since we saw him during the high school season. The four man has quality athleticism along with toughness around the hoop. Finishes with a soft touch. Solid area rebounder. The kid has a nice combination of skill and toughness. Welch is a low-major plus prospect with the Illinois Wolves.
He is excited for this spring running with the Wolves 17U.
“We have a lot of new guys. Everyone can score at all different levels. Our team is a lot quicker and a lot better. That makes the game fun.”
How was his junior year at Naperville North?
“It went really well record wise, but in the state tournament we didn’t go as far as we wanted to. Over the last year coach and the seniors this year I got really close with and it was great to create some memories with them. I thought I did good. Confidence was a big thing more me trying to be that player. Shooting was a big thing for me. It opened up my game and made people respect my jump shot more. Being more of a leader vocally.”
Welch holds a pair of D1 offers from Western Illinois and Kent State. The 2019 forward broke down those offers.
Western Illinois
“Western Illinois was my first one. For the coaching staff to believing in me like that right away was awesome. I will always have respect for that.”
Kent State
“I haven’t visited yet, but the coaching staff is real excited about me. Their excitement for me was incredible.”
He recently took a visit to Belmont for an unofficial visit.
“The coaching staff was great and I really connected with them. The campus was incredible. It was really nice and I felt at home there. I am really considering them.”
What other schools is he hearing from at this stage?
“Miami (OH), Drake, Holy Cross, Loyola, and more.”